Raspberry Pi B+ : New Features & Key Improvements, Cost: $35

Administrator

It's been about two years since the makers of mini-computer for DIYers, Raspberry, announced Raspberry Pi Model B. Ever since, the global DIY community has been asking for improvements and new features to be incorporated in the board; and just a few hours ago, Raspberry officials announced the latest version of the board, called "Raspberry Pi B+". The new board will cost $35 (same as earlier model) and is available right now with the partner resellers.

Here's a quick overview of the new features and key improvements in the new B+ model. The B+ has the same BCM2835 application processor and there's no improvement in the RAM (512 MB). You'll however love the 40 pins GPIO header with the retention of pinout for the first 26 pins. The board now has 4 USB 2.0 ports (earlier model had only 2) with better hotplugging and overcurrent behavior. The Micro SD socket has been improved and now offers a push-push type slot. The Raspberry Pi B+ model does a great job of bringing the power consumption down by ~0.5-1W through replacement of linear regulators with switching ones.

​

The audio circuitry now incorporates a dedicated lower-noise power supply. The design team has improved the overall form factor of the board by aligning the USB connectors with the edge of the board and moved the composite video on to 3.5mm jack. The board offers four mounting holes. We've an official video of the introduction of the new board -

​

Raspberry Pi B+ is available immediately on the Element14 website (find the link in the source below) but the Pi B model will continue to exist for some time. Those who got a chance to play with the new B+ model have opined that the board is a brilliant upgrade over the model B. Do let us know your thoughts!

Comments

Update: The much awaited upgrade of the board, called Raspberry Pi 2 won't be launched until 2017, informed the founder of Raspberry, Eben Upton. The company, he says, is focused on software more than improving the hardware. Another focus is on the upcoming Raspberry Pi touchscreen. Upton said that the current focus on software will help make the Raspberry Pi 2 even faster.